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Tour Italy, Italy Vacations, Italy ToursTue, 03 Mar 2015 07:14:05 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.0.1http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/touritalynowhttps://feedburner.google.com5 Reasons Why We Love Visiting Italy in Springhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/touritalynow/~3/OO6RZrdb3Po/
http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/5-reasons-why-we-love-visiting-italy-in-spring/#commentsMon, 02 Mar 2015 11:33:37 +0000http://www.touritalynow.com/?p=148555 Reasons Why We Love Visiting Italy in Spring With the changing of seasons upon us, the coming spring season is a much appreciated time for tourists and locals alike. In fact, there are many reasons that make spring an ideal time to visit Italy. While summer certainly has its fair share of festivities, the post-winter months are also something that can be appreciated for those looking to enjoy an authentic Italian vacation. We’ve compiled the top five reasons why spring is the best time for your to visit Italy. Great Weather If you’re sick and tired of the cold weather, then spring should be a much needed reprieve from the winter season. While it is still common to see spring showers during the months of March and April, the weather can still be comfortably warm during these times. Temperatures ranging from 50 and 60 F are normally felt in […]

With the changing of seasons upon us, the coming spring season is a much appreciated time for tourists and locals alike. In fact, there are many reasons that make spring an ideal time to visit Italy. While summer certainly has its fair share of festivities, the post-winter months are also something that can be appreciated for those looking to enjoy an authentic Italian vacation.

We’ve compiled the top five reasons why spring is the best time for your to visit Italy.

Great Weather

If you’re sick and tired of the cold weather, then spring should be a much needed reprieve from the winter season. While it is still common to see spring showers during the months of March and April, the weather can still be comfortably warm during these times. Temperatures ranging from 50 and 60 F are normally felt in the central areas of the country, such as in Rome and in Florence. Because of this, spring is the ideal time to take a nice, relaxing stroll and do some sightseeing without having to suffer from the cold of the previous months or the punishing heat of the upcoming summer season.

Fewer Crowds, Lower Prices

Early spring is the best time to get ahead of the crowds that tend to congest the famous tourist spots and cities. As people are still shaking off the sleepy cobwebs from the winter season, you won’t see a lot of people traveling during this time, so you might want to consider booking your trip before the summer tourists start appearing in droves. In addition, this “off peak” season usually means cheaper airfare and accommodations. You can expect the number of visitors to rise as Easter approaches, but it is still nowhere near as many during the summer months of June and July.

Spring Festivals

Easter is definitely the big highlight of the spring season festivals. The Monday following Easter (la pasquetta) is considered a national holiday, with days before Easter filled with solemn processions and masses. Various cities across the country hold processions on Good Friday, with participants dressed in traditional costumes while carrying special statues through the streets. The Easter mass is also a very notable event as the Pope presides over the celebration in one of the year’s biggest and most popular mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.

Other notable festivals and events include Liberation Day on April 25, which signifies the fall of the Italian Social Republic and the ousting of the Nazi occupation of Italy. The first of May is also considered a public holiday, as well as June 2, which celebrates the Festival of the Italian Republic (Festa della Repubblica Italiana).

Seasonal Spring Food

The changing of the seasons heralds the return of seasonal food like the Roman artichoke. Dishes like carciofi romaneschi are commonly served during this time as artichokes are in season from February to May. Spring fruits like cherries, lemons, strawberries and tomatoes are also commonly seen during these months. There are many local fairs that are held during spring that offer many of the seasonal produce. The warm weather is also a great time to enjoy gelato – nothing is as enjoyable as strolling down the streets with a gelato in hand while enjoying the sights.

Flowers in Full Bloom

Of course, nothing says spring more than the advent of flowers coming into bloom after the winter season. The beauty of each city is enhanced with the new growth of flora across the many streets and parks. The best places to appreciate spring flowers include Rome’s famous rose garden and the Iris Garden in Florence. There are also numerous festivals that use floral decorations and make the each celebration come alive with the vibrant color that it lends.

Tour Italy Now can help you plan and book your ideal spring vacation to Italy. Visit our custom tours page and tell us how you want to spend your time this upcoming season.

]]>http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/5-reasons-why-we-love-visiting-italy-in-spring/feed/0http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/5-reasons-why-we-love-visiting-italy-in-spring/Taking It Easy with Italy’s Slow Movementhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/touritalynow/~3/AOJ9ePe_5z4/
http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/taking-it-easy-with-italys-slow-movement/#commentsThu, 26 Feb 2015 12:51:43 +0000http://www.touritalynow.com/?p=14844Looking into Italy’s Slow Movement Slow food is an international movement that was founded by a self-proclaimed gourmet named Carlo Petrini in 1986. It is promoted as a substitute to the concept of “fast food” and aims to preserve regional, traditional cuisine made from sustainable ingredients native to the local ecosystem procured through the “slower” way as opposed to something that is obtained from more modern, efficient methods. It is the first established part of the broader Slow Movement. The movement itself has expanded globally to over 100,000 members in 150 countries. The movement began in Italy as a form of resistance to the opening of a McDonald’s near the Spanish Steps in Rome. Petrini and his friends saw the opening of a branch of the famed fast-food chain as threatening to the vast culinary heritage of the country, which could fall prey to rapid globalization that usually comes […]

Slow food is an international movement that was founded by a self-proclaimed gourmet named Carlo Petrini in 1986. It is promoted as a substitute to the concept of “fast food” and aims to preserve regional, traditional cuisine made from sustainable ingredients native to the local ecosystem procured through the “slower” way as opposed to something that is obtained from more modern, efficient methods. It is the first established part of the broader Slow Movement. The movement itself has expanded globally to over 100,000 members in 150 countries.

The movement began in Italy as a form of resistance to the opening of a McDonald’s near the Spanish Steps in Rome. Petrini and his friends saw the opening of a branch of the famed fast-food chain as threatening to the vast culinary heritage of the country, which could fall prey to rapid globalization that usually comes with a prolonged economic boom. In order to preserve the small, out-of-the-way pubs and trattorias that he and his friends love so much, and to discourage people from committing grievous mistakes in the production of food and drink items that were consumed by people. This stemmed from the prolonged economic boom that had also increased Italian demand for consumables, and as a result 19 people died from drinking cheap wine that had been cut with methanol for an increased production. It was for this reason Petrini released the Slow Food Manifesto.

Slow Food is a commitment to the good stuff, the sweetest of sweet things in life. Pleasure and enjoyment, tranquility and serenity, joy and conviviality, richness and decadence are cornerstones of the manifesto, but not at the expense of rushing or hurrying – whether it’s to get to wherever you’re going, or waiting for the trees to bear fruit. It places an emphasis on the natural order of things, of not forcing a piece of land to bear harvest to something that isn’t native to it.

Slow Cities have few requirements. They are required to maintain a population of less than 50,000 (in order to decrease foot traffic and noise), they are to encourage the production of food via natural, environmentally friendly ways and discourage the use of genetically modified ingredients in restaurants and schools. In addition, they are to protect the production of local and traditional goods that help maintain their area’s cultural history, they must promote awareness among all their citizens, particularly the youth, and they must promote hospitality and tourism in order to spread the message that living in a Slow City is a Great Idea.

Positano is one of the most celebrated towns on the Amalfi Coast, and the residents there have always taken the slow movement to heart. It is set on a cliffside and dotted with cute white and pink houses rising from the sea in tiers. A single-lane, one-way street runs through it. In the summer and a few subsequent months after, one can be fined up to $100 for blocking traffic should he stop at any point at this street: the population surges from a tiny 4,000 to more than 12,000, so it is a real problem. However, no new roads have been made, the street has never been widened to accommodate the demand, the town stubbornly refuses to change despite the flocks of tourists that descend upon it. Why? Commitment.

Their way of life is very precious to them. Positano is a serene retreat and it will stay a serene retreat if its residents are to have their way. To get to the beach, one will take the stairs down to the shore, no shortcuts. There is a 58-decibel noise limit on restaurants and clubs. The traffic laws, as illustrated, are very strict. There is absolutely no pressure to run around in the town: your food will arrive when it arrives. You are encouraged to take off your big-city shoes and walk slowly.

It is a revolution, to be sure, and one that seems to be working. What is the point of globalization, of working to excess, if one cannot enjoy the fruits of their labor? What is the point of modernization if it means turning one’s back on his country’s beautifully majestic ruins, crucial parts of history and heritage? The slow movement is more than just fighting against a homogenized Italy or planet: it is also about setting the standard for a way of life that can be enjoyed all over the planet – if we just took our time.

]]>http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/taking-it-easy-with-italys-slow-movement/feed/0http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/taking-it-easy-with-italys-slow-movement/Lesser Known Places in Venice Worth Visitinghttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/touritalynow/~3/E1gS9_mLyyQ/
http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/lesser-known-places-in-venice-worth-visiting/#commentsWed, 25 Feb 2015 11:25:56 +0000http://www.touritalynow.com/?p=14838Lesser Known Places in Venice Worth Visiting With the hustle and bustle of Carnival still fresh in the air, the city is still alive with the left over energy from this festive event. There are many interesting sights to see beyond the main thoroughfares like St. Mark’s Square. In fact, there a whole side of Venice that not many people know of, one that is appreciated by those looking to enjoy a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. Those who like walking off the beaten path will surely want to check out the following places that are often overlooked by many tourists. Museo Querini Stampalia – Located in Castello, this museum houses some of the most impressive pieces of artwork, including one of the best collections of paintings in Venice. Works made by famous artists like Giovanni Bellini’s Presentation in the Temple can also be found here. The museum itself is […]

With the hustle and bustle of Carnival still fresh in the air, the city is still alive with the left over energy from this festive event. There are many interesting sights to see beyond the main thoroughfares like St. Mark’s Square. In fact, there a whole side of Venice that not many people know of, one that is appreciated by those looking to enjoy a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere.

Those who like walking off the beaten path will surely want to check out the following places that are often overlooked by many tourists.

Museo Querini Stampalia – Located in Castello, this museum houses some of the most impressive pieces of artwork, including one of the best collections of paintings in Venice. Works made by famous artists like Giovanni Bellini’s Presentation in the Temple can also be found here. The museum itself is lavishly decorated by 17th century frescoes, stuccoes and other artistic furnishings.

Old World Bookshop – This quaint little bookshop is found in the historic ghetto area of Venice, Cannaregio. If you’re looking for rare books on Venice, then this is definitely the place to be. Owned by John Francis Phillimore, there is a wide variety of books in both English and Italian that ranges as far back as the 16th century. The bookshop is also a meeting place of sorts for poets, philosophers and other literary artists since the owner also runs an active literary society known as the Casa delle Parole.

Castello Orientale – This is a small and quiet neighborhood located near St. Mark’s Square. It is an ideal place for those who just want to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee, which can be bought in any of the various cafes that dot the area. You can also purchase fresh produce, wine or a variety of sweets here. It provides the perfect getaway from the more crowded tourist spots that are located nearby.

Torcello – A tiny island found at the end of the Venetian Lagoon, it is one of the oldest populated communities in the region. It has a rich history since many palazzi and other magnificent structures were built here. Unfortunately, many of them were torn down for their materials. The churches of Santa Maria Assunta and Santa Fosca still stand here to this day, as well as the Museo Provinciale di Torcello.

Giardini Pubblici – This park is located in the southeastern part of Venice and offers visitors a nice and relaxing place to stroll away from the main tourist routes. The entire area is filled with palm trees, acacias, plane trees, as well as beautiful statues overlooking the lagoon. Another interesting sight that can be found here are the exhibition pavilions from different countries. Various styles of pavilions like the commercial buildings of Austria and the Classical pavilions of Italy are on display for viewing.

Tour Italy Now offers excellent tours at reasonable prices around Venice. Book with us now and explore these well kept secrets at your leisure!

]]>http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/lesser-known-places-in-venice-worth-visiting/feed/0http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/lesser-known-places-in-venice-worth-visiting/Italy Travel: Booking a Tour or Planning Your Own Triphttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/touritalynow/~3/yvh9ztamcrs/
http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/italy-travel-booking-a-tour-or-planning-your-own-trip/#commentsMon, 23 Feb 2015 08:27:44 +0000http://www.touritalynow.com/?p=14831Italy Travel: Booking a Tour or Planning Your Own Trip Booking a trip or planning it on your own – this is a perpetual mental struggle travelers all over the world have to contend with when deciding to go on a vacation. This dilemma is exacerbated further if your chosen destination is one filled with interesting sights and tourist spots like Italy. On one hand, planning out each day by yourself may seem like an impossible task, especially if you have to worry about how you’re going fit everything into your schedule while you’re there. On the other hand, you also don’t want to be tied down by a strict schedule that you won’t be able to fully appreciate the experience as you are continuously shuffled from one place to another. So how does one choose which is the right option for spending their time in Italy? The simple and […]

Booking a trip or planning it on your own – this is a perpetual mental struggle travelers all over the world have to contend with when deciding to go on a vacation. This dilemma is exacerbated further if your chosen destination is one filled with interesting sights and tourist spots like Italy.

On one hand, planning out each day by yourself may seem like an impossible task, especially if you have to worry about how you’re going fit everything into your schedule while you’re there. On the other hand, you also don’t want to be tied down by a strict schedule that you won’t be able to fully appreciate the experience as you are continuously shuffled from one place to another.

So how does one choose which is the right option for spending their time in Italy? The simple and straightforward answer here would be: it all depends on how you want to spend your vacation. The ultimate goal of tourists would be to see everything there is to see and experience as much as they can during their travels. This applies to both booked tours and ones that people plan for themselves. However, each method has its own merits that we can break down further.

Traveling with a Tour Guide

Many travel agencies offer packaged tours which cover several high profile destinations across Italy. Such country-wide tours are quite popular, especially for those visiting Italy for the first time. This is in fact a good general rule of thumb if you aren’t well versed in Italian culture and would like someone to walk you through the experience. Tour guides can be a wealth of knowledge when it comes to this – providing you information on the history and background of the various places that are included in the tour.

The scope of the tours can also vary. Depending on the type of trip that you book, you can end up exploring a single city, like Rome or Florence, across several days or go on a grand adventure across several regions in the span of a week or so. The beauty of these types of trips is that the logistics and transportation is usually handled by travel agency or travel group that you sign up with. Not having to worry about where to stay or how you’re getting from one point to another can be a huge weight off one’s shoulders. If you’re a novice in the ways of traveling across Italy, then you might want to consider this type of travel method.

Planning a Trip on Your Own

Without a doubt, planning your own trip requires substantially more work than signing up with a package tour. However, many get a sense of personal satisfaction when coming up with their own travel plan. People who like to be spontaneous in their travels will appreciate the lack of adhering to a strict schedule and just take their time in enjoying the sights. Enjoy a cup of coffee at the local café then taking a walk around Rome afterwards is an ideal way for this type of traveler to take it easy while on vacation.

Of course, this can also become a source of stress for people who have difficulty keeping tabs on every little detail of the trip planning process. From doing the research to booking the actual flights and accommodations, getting everything to fall into place is no small feat and you definitely deserve to give yourself a pat on the back if things go off without a hitch. The sense of achievement you can get from planning a well thought out vacation is certainly a big pay off, especially if you had fun doing so. After all, isn’t this the point of traveling in the first place?

Ultimately, how you decide to travel is really up to you. Whether you arrange a tour via a travel agency or decide to strike out on your own, the main objective is to just have fun during your travels. If you want to hit a healthy compromise between the two travel options, you can always try and book a customized trip that allows you to tailor fit your vacation exactly to your needs. From where you want to go to how long you want to stay there, there are many groups that offer this type of tour nowadays. In fact, Tour Italy Now specializes in custom tours across Italy – you should check it out and see if we can help you with your dream vacation.

]]>http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/italy-travel-booking-a-tour-or-planning-your-own-trip/feed/0http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/italy-travel-booking-a-tour-or-planning-your-own-trip/Strolling Through Rome: A Walking Tour of the Vaticanhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/touritalynow/~3/zEudiIHKqt8/
http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/strolling-through-rome-a-walking-tour-of-the-vatican/#commentsThu, 19 Feb 2015 06:05:16 +0000http://www.touritalynow.com/?p=14822Strolling Through Rome: A Walking Tour of the Vatican According to Roman insiders, the best way to see the Vatican is through a guided walking tour. If you’re interested in history and art, a professional tour guide will be able to walk you through the highlights of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, among other attractions. These tours take up about three to four hours altogether. A professional tour guide will also be able to provide more attentive service and bring you around to certain sections of the Museums that are not typically offered in a standard itinerary. For instance, a walk around the Pinacoteca Vaticana art gallery is just one of these value-added services. Guides are also authorized to take guests from the Sistine Chapel directly into St. Peter’s Basilica, an option which is not made available to individual tourists. The Vatican Museums are a […]

According to Roman insiders, the best way to see the Vatican is through a guided walking tour. If you’re interested in history and art, a professional tour guide will be able to walk you through the highlights of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, among other attractions. These tours take up about three to four hours altogether.

A professional tour guide will also be able to provide more attentive service and bring you around to certain sections of the Museums that are not typically offered in a standard itinerary. For instance, a walk around the Pinacoteca Vaticana art gallery is just one of these value-added services. Guides are also authorized to take guests from the Sistine Chapel directly into St. Peter’s Basilica, an option which is not made available to individual tourists.

The Vatican Museums are a must-see for guests: there are several different sections available for viewing, and those typically included on a guided tour are the Pio-Clementino (the classic antiquities section), Gregorian Etruscan and Egyptian museums, the Gallery of the Candelabra, the Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of Maps and the Gallery of Tapestries, and finally St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Pinacoteca Vaticana is home to paintings by Giotto, Beato Angelico, Melozzo da Forli, and Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. In it you will also find Raphael’s “Transfiguration”, which is lauded by many as the “most famous, most beautiful and most divine” of his finished works. Another section that is frequently passed over is the Carriage Pavilion, established by Pope Paul VI in 1967. It houses portraits of all the popes that have served from 1500 to the present time, as well as all papal ceremonial materials, and the arms and uniforms of the Pontifical Armed Corps, Vatican City’s military guard.

Keep in mind that the Vatican itself is very crowded throughout almost the entire year. The best times to visit the city are during January and February or near the end of November and early December when the surroundings are noticeable quieter. Mornings are busy, and the activity doesn’t simmer down until midday. As the Sistine Chapel closes early, it is imperative that you begin your Vatican Museums tour before 3 PM before the doors close. Both places are closed on Sundays, and Mondays are typically the busiest times to visit. If you prefer a more laid back walk, try to avoid that day.

One must also take into consideration the days in which large events take place, such as the general audience with the pope that typically occurs on Wednesdays. This is done either at the Audience Hall during the wintertime, or St. Peter’s Square. It is possible to obtain a free ticket for audiences held in the Hall – this will give you a better chance of grabbing a seat. At noon on Sundays, the pope usually gives his blessing from the window of his office above St. Peter’s Square; this is called the Sunday blessing. Finally, if you are coming to the Vatican specifically for a glimpse of the pope, you can request tickets from the Prefettura Vaticana in order to attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve, facilitated by the pontiff himself. Keep in mind that these tickets need to be procured well ahead of time.

Tour Italy Now offers great tours around Rome and the surrounding area. There’s no need to struggle with finding a reliable tour operator service that can cater to your needs, so visit our customized tours page and get a quote from us now.

]]>http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/strolling-through-rome-a-walking-tour-of-the-vatican/feed/0http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/strolling-through-rome-a-walking-tour-of-the-vatican/Interesting Facts about Italy You Might Not Knowhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/touritalynow/~3/pK80QI1fkOk/
http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/interesting-facts-about-italy-you-might-not-know/#commentsMon, 16 Feb 2015 13:46:36 +0000http://www.touritalynow.com/?p=148117 Interesting Facts about Italy You Might Not Know Italy is a fascinating country, home to some of the world’s best in architecture, food, and people. It is a fantastic European destination with a city that will suit every kind of traveler. Despite its fame, there are still a few aspects to this charming nation as yet unknown to the general population. Here are some stunning facts about Italy that you might not know: 1. Italy has the most World Heritage Sites as recognized by UNESCO. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization bestows this honor on places that are of significant cultural or natural heritage and importance. Among these sites are the 18th-century Royal Palace at Caserta, the archaeological areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata in Naples, Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco, the entire city of Verona, and the Costiera Amalfitana, also known as the Amalfi Coast. […]

Italy is a fascinating country, home to some of the world’s best in architecture, food, and people. It is a fantastic European destination with a city that will suit every kind of traveler. Despite its fame, there are still a few aspects to this charming nation as yet unknown to the general population. Here are some stunning facts about Italy that you might not know:

1. Italy has the most World Heritage Sites as recognized by UNESCO. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization bestows this honor on places that are of significant cultural or natural heritage and importance. Among these sites are the 18th-century Royal Palace at Caserta, the archaeological areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata in Naples, Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco, the entire city of Verona, and the Costiera Amalfitana, also known as the Amalfi Coast.

2. Italy also has more hotel rooms than any other European country. It is one of the continent’s most frequently visited countries, and tourism provides 63% of its national capital.

3. There are over 3,000 museums in Italy, and only rightly so: it is the former home to one of the world’s strongest and wealthiest ancient civlizations. The country has made a prominent name for itself as one that carefully and painstakingly preserves its national heritage, so ancient artifacts, relics, and even places have been preserved for centuries, and will continue to be taken care of for future generations to enjoy.

4. The average Italian drinks one glass of wine every day. With a consumption averaging about 300 million cases per year, Italy is a country of devoted, enthusiastic drinkers – that’s about 53 liters of wine per person per year. In fact, the country produces more wine than any other country not just in Europe but on the entire planet.

5. Italy’s old age dependency is the highest ever in Europe, and the elderly retire at the age of 61 for men and 59 for women, some of the youngest in the continent. The country spends most of its national income on pensions: for every 100 working Italians there are 30 elderly citizens being cared for. It’s a wonderful system that allows for aging individuals to savor and enjoy their retirement period and not have to work themselves to the bone until they can’t do so anymore.

6. The ice cream cone, eyeglasses, thermometers, typewriters, the telephone, the radio, even the MP3 format? All invented by Italians, known the world over as people that are innovators, movers and changers. Italian inventions have defined and shaped modern life and the continue to change the world even today.

7. Soccer was introduced to the Italians in the late 1800s by the British, but only took off in the 1930s under Mussolini. They call it football, and the devotion to the sport in the country is so fervent that it borders on the maniacal. It is the most popular sport in the country, and the Italian national football team is widely considered to be one of the best teams in the world, having won the FIFA World Cup four times: in 1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006.

If you want to know more interesting facts about Italy, the Ministry of Economic Development (Ministero Sviluppo economico) released a short video which aims to dispel some of the common stereotypes about the country and its people. It holds Italy up in a contrasting light against well-known misconceptions by featuring its strengths and its role as a leader in several global industries. It’s definitely worth a watch!

]]>http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/interesting-facts-about-italy-you-might-not-know/feed/0http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/interesting-facts-about-italy-you-might-not-know/Tour Italy Now Highlights from the New York Times Travel Show 2015http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/touritalynow/~3/BQB0_RZ5Ufg/
http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/tour-italy-now-highlights-from-the-new-york-times-travel-show-2015/#commentsFri, 13 Feb 2015 14:39:22 +0000http://www.touritalynow.com/?p=14805Tour Italy Now Highlights from the New York Times Travel Show 2015 Last January 25, Tour Italy Now had the privilege of joining one of the panels at the New York Times Travel Show 2015. It was a day filled with knowledge sharing as well as fun cultural exchange. Tour Italy Now’s founder and president, Dominic Siano, took part as one of the speakers there. In case you missed our Insider’s Italy panel at the New York Times Travel Show, then you’ll be glad to know that we’ve saved some of the highlights of Dominic Siano’s talk. As a subject matter expert, he shared some helpful tips on booking trips online, as well as imparted a wealth of knowledge to the audience about traveling around Italy. We’d like to thank everyone who attended the event and met with us personally. It was certainly a wonderful experience for us at Tour […]

Last January 25, Tour Italy Now had the privilege of joining one of the panels at the New York Times Travel Show 2015. It was a day filled with knowledge sharing as well as fun cultural exchange. Tour Italy Now’s founder and president, Dominic Siano, took part as one of the speakers there.

In case you missed our Insider’s Italy panel at the New York Times Travel Show, then you’ll be glad to know that we’ve saved some of the highlights of Dominic Siano’s talk. As a subject matter expert, he shared some helpful tips on booking trips online, as well as imparted a wealth of knowledge to the audience about traveling around Italy.

We’d like to thank everyone who attended the event and met with us personally. It was certainly a wonderful experience for us at Tour Italy Now and we look forward to seeing everyone again soon. We are offering a 10% discount for tours for a limited time, so drop by our custom tours page and book your trip with us now!

]]>http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/tour-italy-now-highlights-from-the-new-york-times-travel-show-2015/feed/0http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/tour-italy-now-highlights-from-the-new-york-times-travel-show-2015/Enoteca 101: An Easy Guide to Ordering Wine in Italyhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/touritalynow/~3/9J6tggiejMg/
http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/enoteca-101-an-easy-guide-to-ordering-wine-in-italy/#commentsFri, 06 Feb 2015 13:09:59 +0000http://www.touritalynow.com/?p=14796Enoteca 101: An Easy Guide to Ordering Wine in Italy The term enoteca is commonly used to describe a special type of wine shop that allows visitors to buy or taste wines. These establishments were created as a way to spread the local and regional culture of wine, as well as provide a wide selection of various wines for people to sample. Some of these shops work in conjunction with larger wine producers, who can sell their wares in large quantities to people who have tasted their wine at an enoteca. Wine connoisseurs have benefitted greatly from these establishments by making a variety of wines readily accessible to them. Even novice wine tasters can appreciate going to an enoteca to sample specific wine brands from all across Italy. If you’re worried about getting your order wrong when visiting one of these places, we’ve prepared a few helpful tips to help […]

The term enoteca is commonly used to describe a special type of wine shop that allows visitors to buy or taste wines. These establishments were created as a way to spread the local and regional culture of wine, as well as provide a wide selection of various wines for people to sample. Some of these shops work in conjunction with larger wine producers, who can sell their wares in large quantities to people who have tasted their wine at an enoteca.

Wine connoisseurs have benefitted greatly from these establishments by making a variety of wines readily accessible to them. Even novice wine tasters can appreciate going to an enoteca to sample specific wine brands from all across Italy.

If you’re worried about getting your order wrong when visiting one of these places, we’ve prepared a few helpful tips to help you with your wine tasting adventures.

Wine Basics: Reading the Label

You can get a lot of information about the wine you’re drinking from the label alone, and Italian wine is no exception. Wines here are subjected to strict classifications, which tell you which regulations they uphold and where they come from. Entry level wines usually have the label of VdT (Vino da Tavola), whose only requirement is that they be produced somewhere in Italy. The blend of this type of wine does not matter either.

The next step up the classification ladder is IGT (Indicazione di Geografica Tipica), which tells you from which specific region the wine came from while still being open to the type of blend used in its production. Next, the DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) requires that the wine be produced from a specific zone and follows strict regulations. Finally, DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) are made in special DOCG specified zones and follow the strictest of regulations.

It’s interesting to note, however, that the classification of wine does not necessarily mean that they are better the higher up they are on the ladder. Tuscany wines are considered one of the best wines in the country while belonging only to the IGT category.

Know Your Wines

Educating yourself on the general types of wines and their names can be very helpful when ordering at an enoteca. Each regional wine has its own distinctive color and flavor, thus giving tasters a good idea of what to look for once you’re familiar with them.

Barolo – These are usually DOCG classified wines and are considered to be of the highest quality. Produced in the northern region of Piedmont, this flavorful red is one of the most expensive wines made in Italy.

Brunello di Montalcino – This DOCG category wine is a top quality product from Tuscany and is highly praised for its full bodied taste. Made entirely from Sangiovese grapes, it is considered one of the best wines in the region.

Chianti – Another red wine that is native to the region of Tuscany. It is primarily made of Sangiovese grapes that are readily found in the region.

Asti Spumanti – If you aren’t a fan of reds, this sparkling white wine from Piedmont is a good contrast to the red wine produced in that region.

Prosecco – This white wine hails from the northern region of Italy known as Veneto. It is usually a served before dinner to help whet people’s appetites.

Super Tuscans – While this particular wine does not follow any of the strict standards normally found in Tuscany, it can still be considered one of the highest quality wines in the country.

Wine Etiquette Explained

Remember that the origin of the enoteca is a place for people to taste different types of wines, so don’t expect these places to serve a full meal to go with your wine like a regular restaurant. At best, these places can serve some snacks like cheese to complement your wine tasting experience. However, some high quality wine shops and bistro-type restaurants have taken to calling themselves enoteca these days as well. You might want to have a quick peek at their menu to see if they do indeed offer other foodstuff just to be sure.

The actual serving and tasting of wine is not so different from other places around the world. After ordering your choice of wine, the server will approach your table and usually ask you who will have the first taste of the wine. Even if you don’t speak the language, a simple gesture towards the person who will take the first taste is enough to prompt the server to pour the wine. As the taster, it is your obligation to say whether or not the taste of the wine is to your approval. A simple “buono” will signify this, and then you can thank the server for the wine.

If you have to pour the wine yourself, don’t fill it to the brim – halfway or just under it is more than enough for a glass.

Call Ahead

Finally, it’s always a good idea to find out the opening and closing hours of an enoteca you plan on visiting. This way you can more easily schedule your wine sampling excursion. Different establishments have varying hours so make sure to give them a call in advance. If you’re looking for a particular type of wine, you can also find out their availability by phoning ahead.

]]>http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/enoteca-101-an-easy-guide-to-ordering-wine-in-italy/feed/0http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/enoteca-101-an-easy-guide-to-ordering-wine-in-italy/Sicily in the Eyes of the Godfatherhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/touritalynow/~3/j8b6oFyCDB8/
http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/sicily-in-the-eyes-of-the-godfather/#commentsWed, 04 Feb 2015 14:10:51 +0000http://www.touritalynow.com/?p=14788Sicily in the Eyes of the Godfather There are only a handful of films that can rightfully consider themselves to be an enduring classic, and The Godfather is one of them. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and released in 1972, it starred big name actors such as Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan and Robert Duvall. It had the honor of being the highest grossing picture ever made, for a time, and won three Academy Awards. It remains, unanimously, one of the greatest American movies of all time. In today’s video we’ll be talking about some of the most famous tourist sites around Sicily tied to The Godfather movie series. As iconic movie settings go, Sicily has definitely left its mark on Hollywood’s cinematic landscape. With its rich culture and beautiful backdrops, it’s no wonder why it made the perfect home for The Godfather movies. This presentation is also available as […]

There are only a handful of films that can rightfully consider themselves to be an enduring classic, and The Godfather is one of them. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and released in 1972, it starred big name actors such as Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan and Robert Duvall. It had the honor of being the highest grossing picture ever made, for a time, and won three Academy Awards. It remains, unanimously, one of the greatest American movies of all time.

In today’s video we’ll be talking about some of the most famous tourist sites around Sicily tied to The Godfather movie series.

As iconic movie settings go, Sicily has definitely left its mark on Hollywood’s cinematic landscape. With its rich culture and beautiful backdrops, it’s no wonder why it made the perfect home for The Godfather movies.

]]>http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/sicily-in-the-eyes-of-the-godfather/feed/0http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/sicily-in-the-eyes-of-the-godfather/Upcoming Italian Festivals this February 2015http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/touritalynow/~3/0Ro18IbMYg4/
http://www.touritalynow.com/blog/upcoming-italian-festivals-this-february-2015/#commentsTue, 03 Feb 2015 12:28:21 +0000http://www.touritalynow.com/?p=14785Upcoming Italian Festivals this February 2015 As we begin a new month in 2015, the festivities around Italy are just beginning. February is a month filled with lively festivals that locals and tourists can certainly enjoy. Considering that this is pre-Lenten season, expect to see a lot of Carnival events happening around country. It may be difficult to keep track of which festival or event you want to attend during this time, so we’ve listed a few of the more notable celebrations that happen during this month. Carnevale di Venezia Considered as one of most elegant Carnival events in the world, the Carnevale di Venezia is an elaborate spectacle that brings people back to a time of elite parties full of opulence and historical ambience. It is distinct from other Carnivals due to its more formal air. The wearing of masks or maschera also has principal importance throughout the event, […]

As we begin a new month in 2015, the festivities around Italy are just beginning. February is a month filled with lively festivals that locals and tourists can certainly enjoy. Considering that this is pre-Lenten season, expect to see a lot of Carnival events happening around country. It may be difficult to keep track of which festival or event you want to attend during this time, so we’ve listed a few of the more notable celebrations that happen during this month.

Carnevale di Venezia

Considered as one of most elegant Carnival events in the world, the Carnevale di Venezia is an elaborate spectacle that brings people back to a time of elite parties full of opulence and historical ambience. It is distinct from other Carnivals due to its more formal air. The wearing of masks or maschera also has principal importance throughout the event, where people from all walks of society can join the Carnival under a veil of mystery and anonymity. Each type of mask has its own special symbolism and function that people wear to fit their personality and purpose for joining the Carnival.

This year’s Carnival already began last January 31 and will run all the way until February 17. While you may have missed the official opening of the event at St. Mark’s Square, there are still many balls and events that can still be attended throughout the Carnival. The daily theater performances, such as those being held at the Gran Teatro, can be attended across Venice for those looking for lively musical and theatrical entertainment. Finally, visitors can join the ten day finale to the event in the Notte de la Taranta, which is topped off with a beautiful fireworks display to end the Carnival.

Viareggio Carnevale

Another Carnival event that is held in Viareggio, it is considered the second most popular Carnival in Italy. It begins on February 8, with grand parades being held every Sunday until the 22nd. The parades are celebrated leading up to the day before Ash Wednesday (Fat Tuesday), where a live televised event will be shown across the country. Each parade will start off with a triple cannon shot from the sea, with lavishly decorated floats traveling along the Lungomare promenade. Those interested in the creation of these floats can take a tour of the workshops that make them at the Cittadella del Carnivale, a vast complex where they are created by the various craftsmen.

Up to a million people attend the Carnival every year where they can enjoy a variety of concerts and other cultural events. There are also nightly masquerade parties (veglioni) that people can enjoy to get into the spirit of the festivities.

Battle of the Oranges

The Battle of the Oranges is part of the Carnevale di Ivrea and re-enacts the historic fight between the local townsfolk against a tyrant ruler. The actual event culminates on the 17th of February this year and will involve the use of around 500,000 kilograms of oranges for the mock battle. The battle is not a free-for-all that anyone can just participate in, though. It is actually a very structured and highly competitive event, with nine teams of almost 4,000 people trying their best to pelt the armored occupants of horse-drawn carts that represent the oppressive “lord’s followers”. It’s not uncommon for participants to receive sizable bruises after the battle due to the intense nature of the event. Still, the townspeople of Ivrea consider this part of their birthright and their culture, so receiving orange-sized bruises are well worth it in the end.

Almond Blossom Fair

This is a weeklong festival that begins on the first until the second Sunday of the month in Agrigento, Sicily. Those looking to enjoy some traditional Sicilian sweets will enjoy the buffet of almonds and almond paste being served throughout the festival. Expect to see people in colorful costumes and flower decorations all around. The festival culminates in a Sicilian cart parade and fireworks to cap off the event. There is also an International Folklore Festival that runs alongside it, with puppet shows, open-air performances and music being common events that can be seen during the festival.

Olive and Bruschetta Festival

The Umbrian town of Spello has its farmers parade on their tractors decorated with olive branches as makeshift floats. Celebrated on the third Sunday of February, taverns throughout the township will be open to visits and tastings of the fine oil and samples of bruschetta that is characteristic to the region. This celebration of the olive harvest is usually accompanied with performances of traditional music.

Valentine’s Day

While not as widely celebrated as those in the United States, Italy still follows in the tradition of gift and flower giving between lovers on this day. The 14th of February is especially celebrated in the Umbrian town of Terni, which has claimed Saint Valentino as their patron saint. There is a torchlight parade celebrated during this day in honor of the event.

There is certainly a lot to celebrate in Italy during the month of February. There’s absolutely no reason not to go there, so feel free to book your trip and join in the festivities.